By JENNY DREASLER
WISH-TV | wishtv.com
Westfield Mayor Andy Cook is stepping up and putting his foot down, saying the Westfield Police Department will not enforce social distancing guidelines.
Cook says police have “more important things to do.” The reason behind his move comes after residents complained to police.
“They were calling the cops and wanting them to do something about it and they have a lot more important things to do,” said Cook.
Cook says the police force is busy focusing on other issues. He says domestic violence has gone up, unfortunately, during the “stay at home” order and police need to focus on matters such as that. (Photo provided)
State officials have asked people to call police with concerns about improper social distancing or the violation of “essential businesses” orders from Gov. Eric Holcomb.
Cook says his office has gotten some bizarre requests over the past week. Many complaints came in on Facebook, but some people in Westfield even called police dispatch to complain people were hoarding toilet paper at the grocery store.
He says others demanded Westfield police get involved when they believed social distancing requirements weren’t being met and they wanted to see something done.
The mayor posted this statement to social media:
“The importance of our public safety teams is important now more than ever. As we navigate this new and temporary ‘normal,’ I want to be clear, Westfield Police officers enforce laws, not social distancing guidelines or grocery store purchasing limits. It is my expectation that, in this crisis, we all work together to minimize the threat of exposure and follow the rules. We CANNOT have our police officers or firefighters exposed to the coronavirus. We need them saving lives and enforcing laws. If you have an issue at a particular store or situation, I would suggest you kindly speak to the store management or those involved and take your business elsewhere. There are extraordinary times. I ask for your patience and support.”
Cook says the police force is busy focusing on other issues. He says domestic violence has gone up, unfortunately, during the “stay at home” order and police need to focus on matters such as that.
“I have got to protect them (police officers),” said Cook. “I can’t have them unnecessarily mingling with the public, so to speak, and I don’t mean that in a bad term. But look, they are our first responders.”
He had some advice for people if they get frustrated.
“I think, with kindness, people can take care of those things, and you do it kindly but you also do it with your dollar. Hey, if that store isn’t doing it right, then go some place else,” said Cook.
The mayor says since he put out the message, the calls to police have decreased, but he still encourages everybody to use common sense and just be patient.